Starry, Starry Night 2026

Welcome to Starry, Starry Night—Montalvo’s art & astronomy slumber party!

Join us for a unique chance to sleep under the stars in Montalvo’s park.

Wednesday, July 1, 2026 (4–6 pm camper load-in; 6–10 pm programming) — overnight through Thursday, July 2, 2026.

As you enjoy the evening, we encourage you to share your experience by connecting with us on Facebook and Instagram @montalvoarts.

Parking will be on-site; please be prepared to show your ticket or give your name to our parking staff when you arrive and follow any instructions given.

Gates open at 4 pm (4-6pm camper load in), you will be given your pre-assigned site location at the campsite check-in. We will offer a gear drop-off zone; please unload quickly I order to keep traffic flowing, then proceed to the parking lot. Please do not set up your campsite before parking your car in a lot.

What we will do

Treat yourself to a magical evening filled with creativity, discovery, and outdoor fun under the stars. With hands-on experiences, tasty treats, and a special chance to explore the wonder of the night sky with experts from the SETI Institute and the San Jose Astronomical Association—bringing all the awe of an observatory visit without the long drive—it’s sure to be a night you’ll be talking about long after camp ends.

Wednesday July 1, 2026

• 4 – 6pm  Camper Load-in to front lawn
• 5 – 8pm La Fenice Pizza, Main Squeeze Lemonade and Kona Ice for sale
• 5 – 9pm Bar Service/Side Veranda Explore the art on the grounds! Cottage Gallery and new outdoor sculpture featured in The Art and Architecture of Maybe and A Path Forward: Honoring Ohlone Land & Spirit

Starry, Starry Night Programming 5-10pm

Ongoing / drop-in activities (5–10 pm):

• Campfire (Oval Garden) – S’mores!
• Hands-on activities (Oval Garden) Face Painting, Earth to Moon Silhouette Landscape Painting: Glow-in-the-dark acrylic & watercolor,
• Glazing Stars (Creekside Studio)
• Game Zone (Spanish Courtyard) Drawing Constellations Game & Coloring Pages
• 5-9:30pm 9 hole LED Mini-golf  (Charmaine’s Garden Terrace)

Guided moments (set times):

• 7-8pm Guided Sunset Hike with James Kalani – SC County Parks Volunteer Trail Watch & Land Steward
• 8:17pm Moonrise: The moon will be in a waxing gibbous phase, roughly 97% illuminated
• 8:32pm Sunset
• 9-10pm Guided Night Hike with James Kalani – SC County Parks Volunteer Trail Watch & Land Steward
• 9-10pm Star Party and roaming telescopes with the San Jose Astronomical Association & SETI roaming telescopes

Thursday July 2, 2026

• 5:52am Sunrise
• 6 – 6:45am Sunrise Activity 
• 7 – 9am Continental Breakfast (Dining Room & Veranda seating)
• 9 – 11am Campers move-out 

La Fenice Pizza nails the basics: crisp, blistered crust, bright tomato sauce, and toppings that feel thoughtful instead of piled on. Simple, cozy, and dangerously easy to finish slice after slice. See full menu

Main Squeeze Lemonade: all the zing, none of the sugar—like a sunshine high-five in a cup. See full menu

Kona Ice brings the fun with colorful shaved ice and tropical flavors that taste like summer in a cup.

No in & out privileges after 9:30pm. We will close the gates after the evening’s activities, so if you’re camping overnight, you will not be allowed back inside once you leave the property after 9:30pm.

Camping and tent rules & info: No stakes allowed for tents. Camping chairs are allowed in your designated space. If you would like to sleep outside directly on the lawn (not in a tent), please ensure your sleeping bag is waterproof as dew and moisture accumulate on the lawn overnight. No dogs or other pets are allowed. You are welcome to bring picnic food and coolers, but no glass bottles or outside alcohol are allowed. Smoking, BBQs, and other heat/fire producing devices are also prohibited. We are not responsible for lost or stolen items.

Wildlife: Montalvo is home to many forms of wildlife. Deer and turkeys are regular visitors to the park in the evening; feel free to take photos if you see them, but do not disturb them. Mountain lions and bobcats have been reported in the area in the past, but they tend to avoid human interaction; if you do encounter a large cat, stand your ground and make a lot of noise and it is likely to run away. Stay on trails and avoid bushes and shrubs, as snakes can hide there—and poison oak is common in the forest areas outside of trails.

Come prepared for the outdoors. It gets chilly at night at Montalvo, even after a warm day, so wear layers. We also recommend bringing flashlights and wearing bug repellent if needed. A first aid station will be available, but bringing your own kit is also recommended.

What is included in your $225 campsite ticket?

Overnight campsite tickets at Montalvo Arts Center let guests stay on the historic Villa Montalvo grounds and enjoy an evening under the redwoods while being close to the event’s activities and amenities.

• 15 x 15 assigned campsite on Montalvo grounds for 4 people
• All activities are included
• No-host bar (nonalcoholic and alcoholic beverages available for purchase)
• Food available for purchase (You are welcome to bring your own food)
• Continental breakfast July 2 from 7 – 9 am (included)
• Event Ends on July 2, 2026 at 11 am.

Please note: Montalvo does not provide camping gear – participating famiies must bring their own tent, sleeping bags, sleeping pads/air mattresses, pillows, an any other persoal camping essentials.